London has 6 international airports, the most important of which is Heathrow, located in the western suburbs of London, 24 km from the center. There are many alternatives for making a transfer: taxi, mini-cab, bus, metro or train.
Here are the advantages and disadvantages for each means of transport, but also advice for choosing the right transfer.
The taxi or black-cab
At the exit of the terminals, taxis are easy to find, plentiful, and you don't need to make a reservation.
The Sixt ride mini-cabs
The mini-cabs are cheaper than taxis for a similar service. In addition, the strong point of mini-cabs is to offer a fixed price for the race that does not vary depending on traffic jams!
However, unlike black cabs, they cannot be hailed and their use is subject to prior reservation.
You can book your transfer several months in advance directly on the Sixt ride website.
Valid code until June 30, 2020 included for for new customers de Sixt ride.
The bus
The company National Express
offers connections every 30 minutes from the airport terminals to Victoria Station or direct to your hotel, with a surcharge of £ 4.50.Terminals 2 and 3: central bus station
Terminal 4: stops 13 and 14 in front of the terminal on the arrivals level.
Terminal 5: stops 11 and 25 in front of the terminal on the arrivals level.
For your information, transfers on the red double-decker buses can be economical but be careful, none of them go into central London. You will need to make at least one change, or even two, which is far from easy when you travel with suitcases and come to London for only a few days.
The Metro
The Piccadilly Line (blue line) connects directly to central London every 5-10 minutes.
To make your transfer, all you need to do is purchase a Oyster Card
or a Travelcard
.
The train
Le Heathrow express
The Heathrow Express train connects the airport directly and quickly with Paddington station.
Departures from Heathrow Central Station which is within walking distance of Terminals 1, 2, 3, and 5.
If you are arriving at Terminal 4, a free shuttle provides connection to the Heathrow Express.
You can book your trip on the website Heathrow express or use your Oystercard credited with:
- £ 25 if traveling during rush hour: 6am - 30am and 9pm to 30pm Monday to Friday, UK public holidays
- £ 22 if you travel at the other times indicated above
If you wish, you can order your Oyster card on the Great Britain Tourist Board website.
Le Heathrow Connect
The Heathrow Connect takes the same route as the Heathrow Express every 30 minutes with the advantage of being cheaper.
On the other hand, it is slower because it serves stations before arriving in Paddington.
Please note that Travelcard and Oyster card are not accepted.
Reservation on the website of trainline.
